UASU Warns of Nationwide Strike Over Delayed CBAs, Poor Working Conditions

By Violet Kerubo

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike if longstanding grievances affecting university lecturers are not addressed by September 4.

Speaking during a meeting held on Tuesday at Uniafric House in Nairobi, UASU officials and members discussed what they described as the deteriorating state of public universities and the welfare of academic staff.

The union expressed concern over what it termed as stalled career progression, saying some lecturers have remained in the same job groups for more than 20 years without promotion. They also raised concerns over delayed pension benefits and unpaid salaries for members employed on contract terms.

A major issue raised during the meeting was the delay in implementing and paying Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). UASU said the government has yet to settle salary arrears arising from the 2017–2021 and 2021–2025 CBAs. The union demanded the immediate implementation of the agreements and payment of all outstanding arrears.

The lecturers further argued that unless CBAs are fully implemented and universities receive adequate government funding, institutions of higher learning will continue to face operational challenges.

On human resource management, UASU opposed what it described as government interference in university HR functions. The union also condemned reported salary reductions affecting professors and called for respect for established employment structures within universities.

The union also questioned recent discussions surrounding the retirement age of university staff, insisting that any changes should be made through consultation rather than unilateral government directives.

UASU leaders warned that with the country approaching an election period, they would intensify their campaign if the government continues to ignore their demands.

The lecturers questioned who would teach students when universities reopen in September if their concerns remain unresolved, saying they are prepared to pursue the matter through all available legal channels while also keeping the option of industrial action open.

The union urged its members to stop taking up part-time teaching engagements, arguing that the practice discourages universities from employing more full-time lecturers. Where part-time teaching is necessary, UASU said there should be a standardized national payment rate per hour negotiated through the union.

The officials also demanded that the government clear all outstanding obligations for the 2025 and 2026 financial years, warning that if this is not done, students should not expect normal learning when universities are scheduled to reopen on August 24.

UASU maintained that lecturers should be paid directly through government funding allocated to universities rather than relying on student-generated revenue.

The union also raised concerns over heavy workloads and overcrowded classrooms. It called on universities to recruit more lecturers to ease the burden on existing staff and insisted that class sizes should remain manageable, saying lecturers should not be forced to teach what they described as “public rallies.”

UASU concluded by giving the government until September 4 to address its demands, warning that failure to do so would trigger a nationwide strike at any time.